Haiti: Legislative and civic elections to be held Oct. 26 2014 – Pres. Martelly and opposition groups end impasse

Haiti President Martelly (c) signing the protocol, while mediator Cardinal, Chibly Langlois (r) looks on. March 15, 2014.

Haiti’s politicians have put aside their differences and signed an agreement ending a political impasse that had threatened to delay the holding of elections in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

The accord, signed over the weekend will now allow for legislative and local elections. The first round of the elections will be held on October 26, 2014.

It was signed by President Michel Martelly, Senator Steven Benoit, who was mandated to sign on behalf of the president of the Senate now travelling to Europe, and by more than 50 parties of different political affiliations which were part of the talks held under the mediation of the first Haitian Cardinal, Chibly Langlois.

However, 3 political parties, including the Lavalas Family party of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, had withdrawn from the talks because they wanted the departure of the entire government. Aristide’s party is also engaged in a movement to try to force the Martelly administration from power.

Martelly described the accord as a victory for democracy and highlighted the historical aspect of the political deal which is the result of intense negotiations which have involved only Haitian nationals.

“I am happy to sign this agreement which is historical in the sense that we had never seen rival political actors gather together, without any international involvement, to discuss and find solutions to our differences, for the common good,” Martelly told reporters.

Senator Benoit, also expressed his appreciation for the commitment of political leaders, who agreed to help solve the political impasse. “This agreement is not perfect but it is a step towards change – it is an act of political responsibility, demonstration of patriotic consciousness and civic engagement, he added. -(CMC)